‘Which one?’

‘City.’

‘Five–two,’ said Hassan.

Manchester City hadn’t played since the previous weekend and the game had been a draw. The brief conversation had been prearranged and confirmed that both men were who they claimed to be. The man looked at Hassan and smiled. ‘The time has come for you to serve, brother.’

‘I’m ready,’ said Hassan.

The man glanced around, then took a folded piece of paper from his pocket. On it were five pictures of a vehicle. The front, the back, the two sides and an overhead view. Hassan raised his eyebrows when he realised what it was. ‘Are you serious?’

‘The markings and colours must be identical,’ said the man. ‘We’ll need four.’

‘How soon?’

‘Three weeks. Maximum. You’ll be supplied with registration numbers the day before the vehicles are required.’

‘And – what? I steal them?’

‘Not necessarily,’ said the man. ‘They are often sold second hand after they have outlived their usefulness. But they must be roadworthy and they must look like the photographs. See what’s available around the country. Use false names when you buy. If you have to steal, make sure you steal from different counties.’

‘What about the insides?’

‘They should look the part but they don’t have to function. They must be driveable, obviously.’

‘They won’t be cheap, brother, not if we buy them.’

The man smiled and took out a thick envelope. ‘We’ll require receipts,’ he said.

Hassan slipped the envelope inside his jacket.

‘If you need more money, ask. But, as I said, we’ll require receipts. How many men will you be using?’

‘The engines and mechanical work I can take care of myself,’ he said. ‘I’ll only be buying runners so it should just be a matter of tuning them up. I’m assuming we don’t need insurance or MOTs.’

The man nodded. ‘They’ll be used only once, and they’re to stay off the road until they’re needed.’

‘Then I can probably get away with one guy to do the paintwork and the signs,’ he said.

‘The lights?’

‘I’m good with electrics.’

The man smiled his approval. ‘That is why you were chosen, brother. You have the skills.’

‘But if we have to steal them, I’ll need help.’

‘You have the people?’

‘I do.’

‘And they can be trusted?’

‘Absolutely. With my life.’

‘Use them if you must, but say nothing until the time is at hand,’ he said.

‘Where do I keep them? There isn’t room in my garage – or not enough to keep them hidden.’

‘You will be contacted by someone with premises. Through the mail folder.’ He stood up. ‘This is a great thing we’re doing, brother,’ he said.

‘I realise that,’ said Hassan.

‘Be careful.’

‘I will.’

The two men embraced, then walked off in different directions.